The Best Grass Seed For Washington
As a region with moderate temperatures, high humidity, and plenty of rainfall, Washington is truly a unique state whose grasses thrive and withstand the predictable climate. If you’re searching for ways to beautify your lawn or garden, then you’ll need a high-quality grass seed that can survive in the Pacific Northwest region.
First, it’s best to start by researching which zone you belong to. The coast and western edge of Washington varies between Zones 8 through 9, while the middle and eastern regions are mainly Zones 6 through 7.
Although Washington usually has moderate temperatures, cool-season grasses do best in this region. Cool-season grasses have better tolerance when it comes to cool to moderate weather and are primarily found in northern and transitional zones. Some of the best grass seeds for this area are Kentucky Bluegrass, Fine Fescue, Perennial Ryegrass, and alternative lawn species like white clover. Blends of bluegrass, fescue, and ryegrass are also common.
Kentucky Bluegrass
Kentucky bluegrass is known for its deep green-bluish color and excellent winter hardiness, which makes it perfect for any lawn. It is considered self-forming, meaning it spreads on its own and not in bunches. Kentucky bluegrass establishes quickly from the seed, but germinates more slowly than other cool-season grasses, like fine fescue and perennial ryegrass.
Kentucky bluegrass is one of the most popular cool-season grasses that are found all along the northern United States. At first glance, its most notable features are:
- Excellent winter hardiness
- Limited shade tolerance
- Does well in high-traffic areas
- Moderate water and maintenance requirements
Fine Fescue
Depending on the exact variety, fescue has low fertilization and watering needs, making it one of the most low-maintenance species of grass. Fine fescue is also shade – and drought – tolerant, so it stays green almost year-round, even in northern climates like western Washington.
Fine fescue is a light green, bunching grass that does exceptionally well in lawns. It comes in four varieties, including hard fescue, sheep fescue, chewings fescue, and creeping red fescue. At first glance, its most notable features are:
- Stays green longer throughout the year if maintained properly
- Has great drought-tolerance
- Requires little fertilization and can thrive in poor soil
- Germinates and establishes quickly
Perennial Ryegrass
Perennial ryegrass also partners well with Kentucky bluegrass and looks very similar. It does not do as well in harsh winters as Kentucky bluegrass and fine fescue do, but it does tolerate moderate summers and cool winters very well. This makes perennial ryegrass one of the most popular choices for cold and humid regions like the Pacific Northwest.
Perennial ryegrass is a turfgrass that offers consistent, year-round greenery. At first glance, its most notable features are:
- One of the most common turfgrasses across the United States
- Fast germination and seedling establishment
- Prefers full sunlight, but is tolerant of some shade
- Requires frequent watering since it has shallow roots
White Dutch Clover
White Dutch clover is ideal for lawns since it is low-growing and blends well with any surrounding grasses. White dutch clover is a great sustainable alternative since mixed clover/grass lawns generally cost less and require less fertilizer than traditional lawns.
White Dutch clover can be a beneficial additive or even alternative to traditional turfgrass that makes up most lawns. At first glance, its most notable features are:
- Thrives in cool, moist climates like the Pacific Northwest
- Often planted with ryegrass and fescues
- Acts as a natural fertilizer to surrounding grasses
- Inexpensive with few maintenance requirements
Seed Blends and Mixes
There are certain types of seed blends and mixes, like the Northwest Seed Blend, that combine all of your favorite grasses, such as Kentucky Bluegrass, fescues, and ryegrasses. Since each species has its own weaknesses and strengths, this combination blend of grass seed is intended to balance each other out, with better tolerance to high traffic, salinization, and cold temperatures.